Jessica Sallustio
October 12, 1987 ~ July 23, 2025
On July 23rd, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family in Gainesville, Florida, Jessica Sallustio passed away at the age of 37 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. While her journey ended far too soon, her vibrant spirit and lasting impact live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born in Palm Beach County, Florida, Jessica grew up with a fierce sense of independence and creativity. That energy—often captured in her childhood declarations of “I do it!”—evolved into a career and a life full of imagination, depth, and connection.
Jessica was a gifted designer with a passion that spanned from printed media to digital experience. After graduating from Buchholz High School and studying digital media technology at Santa Fe College and Graphic Design at Savannah College of Art and Design, she pursued a career that blended technology, aesthetics, and empathy. Her work earned local and regional recognition, and she held roles of increasing responsibility at Renaissance Printing, Frankel Media Group, and Love & Company. She also shared her talents as an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College and as Programming Director for the Gainesville AIGA chapter. She left behind more than a portfolio—she left behind ideas, mentorship, and tools that others still use today.
In May 2022, Jessica married her soulmate Michael in a small, joyful beach ceremony that effortlessly reflected her love of thoughtful design and geeky charm. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and holiday magic. Jessica had a particular fondness for Halloween and Christmas, art shows and craft fairs, and decorating with flair. She collected pins and ornaments from her travels, taught with enthusiasm, and found joy in making her home a space of warmth and creativity—even if she preferred designing it to actually painting it.
She was a loving mother to Hayden, a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. Her pets Marmaduke and Neko were constant companions, just two more pieces of the family tapestry she so lovingly stitched together. Jessica’s friendships endured through education and career, sustained by her openness, quick wit, and generous spirit.
Jessica’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the care teams at UF Health Shands and the Mayo Clinic, especially the Shands MICU staff and Dr. Majeed’s Oncology team, for their compassion, support, and the hope that they gave us.
To honor her life and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hayden’s 529 education fund (gift.my529.org/HEIX4N), or to liver cancer research through Mayo Clinic, UF Health, or the American Cancer Society.
Jessica’s story is not defined by her passing, but by the joy, color, and meaning she brought to the world. Her legacy is etched into every memory, every design, and every heart she touched.
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Jessica opened my heart to friendship when I was alone and needed it the most.
No matter the time or distance apart, we would always pick up right where we left off.
That was one of my favorite things about Jessica. Her patience and ability to understand me in moments when no one else did.
I will never forget the adventures we had and the memories we made.
Jessica is truly, unforgettable.
There are no words to dampen your heartbreak. Know we are thinking of you and Hayden. ❤️🙏
I will miss you forever my little Jesserbell! ❤️
Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. Jessie was pure happiness and joy. We can’t think of our childhood, trips around the world, adulthood, motherhood, our wedding, and our friend family with out thinking of Jessie. The countless memories and joy we had together are unmeasurable. We will forever have her in our memory and hearts forever, we love and miss her dearly. Always here for you Mike and Hayden with an open door and open arms. We love you!Â
May your visibility  through the cloud be clear, and may your family  keep your spirit- always . May god , or whatever force to which man was created, give  family and friends the strength to remember the best about you, now..and in the future. May our family and friends create a safety net of love  and support for this baby – forever. Thank you for bringing joy to so many I love.
Missed but never forgotten.
Rise and Fly Jess. You were a light that shines on in our Memories.
Thinking of you and your family. Praying for comfort.Â
Mike and Hayden – My heart breaks for you and your family. I pray for peace, joy, and happiness over time, as this beautiful tribute tells me that is what Jes would pray and want for you as well. 🙏🏼
Sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and love to you all.
Jessie was the best friend anyone could ever have. She is the one who is in all of my most core life memories. I am so thankful God gave me such an amazing friend for over 20 years. We will always love and remember you.Â
May God hold her in His loving arms always! She was so sweet and beautiful. I send my deepest condolences to my cousins and her husband and son. I am so truly sorry for your loss.Â
Thank you Jessie for always making me feel like I do belong, like I do matter, and for always believing in me.
I’ve known you since high school and always thought you were too cool for me, but working on the yearbook together gave us an opportunity to become friends. Our friendship remained in our adult years when it didn’t matter if I saw you yesterday, last week, or last year – it was like no time had passed.
That’s a real friendship.
My only regret is that I didn’t get to see you more.Â
I will forever hold you in my heart and carry you with me. Every Xmas cookie exchange party I throw – I will always be thinking of you. 🥹
Thank you for being my friend Jessie. I know we’ll see each other again ❤️.Â
– Sara
Jess- thank you for being there and making life so much brighter. I dearly miss you. Mike, Hayden, (and Marm and Neko)- praying for peace and calm during this incredibly difficult time. Big hugs.
You made a lasting difference in my life and in the lives of everyone at Frankel who had the privilege of working with you. Your talent, friendship, and incredible work will always be with us. We are better for having known you, and your legacy will continue to inspire us every day.
Jess you were a spark of light and joy and i was so blessed to have known you. You always brought a spirit of joy and peace and i wish that same peace in abundance to your family and Hayden.
Losing a loved one is always painful and some memories last a life time. Jess accomplished so much in such a short time and touched so many lives that her fond memories will be etched forever in so many hearts. May she rest is peace and her loved ones cherish her forever.
My deepest condolences to Mike and all of Jessica's friends and family members. I know I can speak for of your colleagues at Gas South when I say we're here for you, Mike.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear of Jess’ passing. I worked with her at Frankel and she was always such a joy to be around. She was a dedicated coworker and kind friend who will be missed so much. Sending lots of strength and love to the family.Â
Mike and family – there are really no words substantial enough but you have my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I wish each of you and all of Jessica's friends and family peace and comfort in time through your cherished memories of this amazing woman. I know her spirit will live on through each of you. Your Gas South family is here for you and will keep you in our thoughts daily. With love and sympathy, Jenni Hawkins
Oh my, my heart aches for Jessica's family. Way, way too soon. There really are no words. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories help fill the empty space you feel. May God hold Jessica in the palm of his hand. Until we see you again. 😭🙏🙏🙏
The time spent working with you at Frankel was filled with such joy and creativity. I will always remember the laughter and sunshine you brought to those around you.
My heart aches for you and your family Caron . It is the worst pain you can endure. Nothing matters but your people .This puts everything in perspective Nothing else in life really matters . If you ever need to talk call me anytime. Love to you and your family. Wrap yourself around that baby girl it helps so much having them to focus on at this time ❤️
Mike, Hayden, and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Jes was such a beautiful soul, and I truly cherished getting to know her. Words cannot fully express how much we care about you, but please know that everyone at Gas South is here to surround you with comfort and support. Jes’s vibrant spirit, her love as a wife, and her devotion as a mother touched so many. Her memory will live on in countless ways, and the impact she made on the lives around her will never be forgotten.
Jess was a true ray of sunshine in my life. We had become extremely close friends through work and bonded over our love for Starbucks, Christmas movies, hilarious GIFs, art, home decorating and so much more. Jess used to message me almost every single morning and some coworkers even called us the "dream team." We really were a dynamic duo. Losing her has felt earth shattering. I will forever miss us laughing through the chaotic days together, but also celebrating and enjoying the good times too. Nobody could make me laugh as hard as Jess could. I will miss her humor, warmth, and kind heart eternally. Rest in peace, my sweet friend. I know I'll see you on the other side again someday <3
Mike and Hayden no words can properly express my sadness. Jess always had a smile and spark to her that made me happy to engage in conversations with her whether at company events or random meetings at the gym. Mike you and Jess were so good together. The happiness and comfort you found with each other was clear. I am so glad you were able to share so much together. I am sure Hayden will experience his mother's love in his life through all of the wonderful memories you will share with him. This journey you embark on is not an easy one, but one I know you are capable of persevering through. The times ahead will have ups and downs. Please remember you have lots of friends and family that care about you and will support you through life's wild road. As much as I miss Jess's presence, I am glad she is not suffering.